If councillors were paid more, would a more diverse group of people stand? Photograph: Rosemary Roberts/Alamy

The Communities and Local Government select committee, chaired by Clive Betts, released a report this week into the future role of councillors. The committee argued that councillors are increasingly expected to spend time on the frontline, and that more training and financial support should be offered to encourage under-represented groups to stand.

The report highlighted the barriers to finding new councillors and concluded that the current remuneration system for elected members is not fit for purpose.

Betts said: "Few councillors will vote themselves higher allowances even if there is a legitimate reason for doing so, because it provokes so much public controversy. Councils should be given the power to transfer decisions about allowances to independent local bodies."

He added that while councils are facing so many difficult decisions regarding staffing and budgets, it should be considered a "wise investment for the long-term benefit of the council taxpayer" to provide training and advice to councillors.

So what do you think? Would a more diverse group be attracted to serve their community if councillors were better paid? Or should the job be carried out in the spirit of voluntarism?

Vote now in our poll and share your thoughts in the comment thread below.